ChristianThere are endless lists of suggestions on referral program ideas. However, it is always imperative to make sure your referral program is tailored to your business. Failed ideas are replaced with possible beneficial ones, and brainstorming sessions with like-minded folks are a regular occurrences. If you keep those three elements in mind, you can pull off some innovative new ideas that may increase the rates of referral for your business.
Give Your Clients Something to Talk About
Give your clients an intense personal experience. If you are still the art dealer, once the painting is sold, ask the client how they plan to hang it. Hammer and nails? No way, now is the time to let them know that you have a special space-age polymer that can help hang even the heaviest paintings without damaging their walls. Explain how it works, and offer to deliver the painting yourself. Once the painting is delivered, hand them a sample of the new hanging product. Ask them to let you know if they need any more help, leave a business card behind and make sure to tell them to share your business services if they are happy with the products and customer service they received.
Feelings Count
The best referral program ideas include ways to maintain a personal connection with your clients. Try to remind them of the various ways you handle their account with customization, tailored to them specifically. Send genuine, non-business related, gifts, perks or other ideas that indicate you are keeping them in mind at all times. Once you can accomplish gaining their trust you have gone beyond being a client’s option and being their necessity. Selling canvas paintings? When you deliver the painting to your client, stick around and help them hang it in the best place to compliment their decor. Not only do you have a happy client, but you now have one that will laud your services by telling friends and family, “That company even helped me hang the picture!”
Referral Cards
This may seem an elementary idea. It is not. Create referral cards by bulk and hand them to any consumer that enters your business. Once you have made a personal connection with your clients, do not be afraid to hand out those cards. However, don’t just hand them over and walk away. Explain the direct benefits of a referral to your business. Once you have determined what type of reward you will offer, share that information with anyone you are sharing referral cards with. Set a low number for the referral cards you hand out. Do not overwhelm current consumers by handing them a stack of 50 cards. In fact, if you can organize them into a tiny envelope, hand them 8 to 10 cards and let them know the benefits they will receive for sending you new referrals.
There are endless suggestions for referral program ideas. Find the best solutions for your business, even if it takes trial and error, and your business will begin to flourish in sales and in brand reputation.
Christian Fea is CEO of Synertegic, Inc. A Joint Venture and Referral Marketing firm. He exemplifies how to profit from Joint Venture and Referral relationships by creating profit centers with minimal risk and maximum profitability.
Click here for more Referral Program Strategies to help you increase your profits.